2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 98 kg more than 2003 Cadillac CTS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Cadillac CTS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac CTS. 2012 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 2003 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2003 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mazda |
| Model | CTS | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 69 L |
